Dish Network ViP722

We found the best reviews of the ViP722 at PC Magazine and CNet.com. Both are packed full of details yet not to the point where it becomes overwhelming. User discussions at DBSTalk.com and Satellite Guys are also helpful. The brief report at About.com doesn't shed much light, however.

Reviewers sometimes complain about Dish Network, but most call its ViP722 a winner among high-definition DVRs. It lacks the elegance of TiVo's user interface and electronic programming guide, and it can't be networked with a computer or the Internet, but just about everything else is present. A nice feature is that the output of the two tuners can be sent separately to two different TVs. Its generously sized hard drive can hold 55 hours of HD programming, or 350 hours of standard-definition fare. All of the typical DVR features -- including a true 30-second commercial skip -- are included. The response is generally described as very fast. The Dish Network ViP612 (price varies) is very similar but has less storage capacity (30 hours of HD and 200 hours of SD) and lacks the ability to send different programs to different TVs. It may be of interest to existing subscribers (only new subscribers can get the ViP722 at no upfront cost), because it is typically offered with a lower upgrade fee.